Dental plans must pay out-of-network dentists directly when patients assign benefits
Dental plans and insurers covering out-of-network care must pay a noncontracting dentist directly when the patient signs an assignment of benefits. The dentist must give cost disclosures first and can't charge more upfront than the patient's estimated share. Medi-Cal plans are excluded.
Who it affects
Dental plans, insurers, out-of-network dentists and their patients
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California AB 1629: Dental coverage.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.